18-02-2025
‘We lost our home, our cloths, our everything': Family recovering from Helene with help from Samaritan's Purse
FAIRVIEW, N.C. (WATE) — While people continue to struggle in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, some are finding hope. Dumitru and Dina Gyska, who came to the United States from Moldova 21 years ago, lost everything in the floodwaters last September. Now, with help from Samaritan's Purse, the two are getting back on their feet.
'The water was already like this. Big water and I went through the water. The house used to be here,' said Dumitru.
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The force of the flood waters swept Dumitru Gyska's home in Fairview, North Carolina more than 10 feet off its foundation the morning of September 27. Water and mud flooded his home of 16 years, ruining it.
The plumber's work van was carried a mile away, demolishing it. A concrete slab also smashed into his car. It was destroyed.
'It was big lake,' Dumitru said of the flooding.
Dumitru remembers Ashe Creek in front of his home as calm the evening before the storm struck the Asheville, North Carolina area.
'At 6 a.m., I wake up. God woke me up, I guess, and I jumped from the bed. When I looked through the window the water was already to the window, a lot. It was dark,' said Dumitru.
Realizing the danger as water surrounded his home, he woke up his family and fled in one of their cars.
'We lost our home, our clothes, our everything. Our cars, one working van. But we haven't lost our faith in Jesus Christ,' said Dumitru.
Dumitru, his wife Dina, and their eight children survived. They are now staying with Dina's family.
'We didn't think it was going to be that dangerous. Thank you, God. We are safe,' said Dina.
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Within days, volunteer crews from Samaritan's Purse, a nonprofit Christian organization, rushed to the aid of Dina, Dumitru, and others in their community.
'Once we heard from our caseworkers that there was a need and this gentleman fit what we could do to help. Thankfully we were able to give him this van,' said Samaritan's Purse Chaplain Jonie Smitley.
Samaritan's Purse presented a Ford Transit van to the couple free of charge, enabling Dumitru to continue with his livelihood.
'Many donations have come in from all over the world literally to help support this. They have seen what happened with Helene and their hearts were moved and people gave,' said Smitley.
Dumitru was thrilled to receive the keys to his vehicle, which will play a key role in expanding his plumbing business. One of the first jobs will be refitting the van's interior for equipment and tools.
'Now I have plans. I have plans to build shelves for a room on the top to put pipes and a ladder, yeah,' said Dumitru. 'I'll try to keep it safe.'
In a heartfelt dedication ceremony, loving hands from the Samaritan's Purse crew surrounded the couple praying for their success. Dumitru sees a bright future ahead.
'Thank God for this van. Because it's going to be a lot for us. It's going to be a big blessing. It's going to provide for our family,' said Dumitru.
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Dumitru plans to rebuild a new home on his property, but it will be raised, high off the ground. He said the donation of the van, will help him make a professional comeback. He added that the slogan of Samaritan's Purse, 'Go and do likewise,' will become a part of his life as he looks for ways to help others.
If you're looking to help with recovery in the aftermath of Helene, visit
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